Running in the cold...overcoming breathing problems

Givemewings
Givemewings Posts: 864 Member
edited October 2024 in Fitness and Exercise
It seems that my breathing is affected when I exercise in the cold. I have had some great advice on what to do from people on MFP. I'm interested to know if there are others out there similar and whether they have been able to overcome the problem. It scared me how I was affected when I exercised intensely in slightly cold weather and had breathing problems. I'm scared of it happening again.

Replies

  • Tamstar1985
    Tamstar1985 Posts: 334 Member
    this happens to me, as well.

    i am totally nuts so i usually just ignore it or reduce my intensity accordingly. also, i found if i warmed up thoroughly outside before my run, it really helped!

    if it is extremely cold, perhaps a brisk walk would be more comfortable for you. i really don't recommend running in super-duper cold weather!
  • I'm dreading running in colder temps when I get back to Germany, but after 2 weeks of acclaimation, I'll be used to it again. I think it's just one of those things you have to tough out for a few weeks. I'll probably spend 1/2 the time on a treadmill once it gets really cold. It's not as fun as running outside, but a good playlist in your iPod always helps!
  • Pebble321
    Pebble321 Posts: 6,423 Member
    Sorry I don't have any helpful ideas... but I just have to say well done for even considering running when it gets so cold outside!
    Living in Australia we are spoilt with mild winters, we just have to work out how to survive in the extreme heat (run early is my solution). I think I would buy a treadmill if I was you.
  • Givemewings
    Givemewings Posts: 864 Member
    Thanks guys...it was an intense boot camp session outside ( and my first one ) that set me off actually. But I do run. I haven't tried in the cold yet though...I do this at the gym if it's cold.
  • turpz
    turpz Posts: 21 Member
    I had breathing problems that started when I was doing BMF, which is boot camp style classes too, and the cold did make it worse. The first thing that everyone, including my GP said was exercise-induced asthma. It's probably worth going to see your doc and they might try you on some inhalers etc and see if that helps.

    Inhalers didn't help me and I'm positive it's not asthma but currently arguing with doc over what it is. (It improved when I took iron for anaemia, now returned same time as other anaemia symptoms, but doc maintains it's a coincidence) However, think exercise induced asthma is really quite common so well worth a check up.

    Running with a scarf or something (have a look on buffwear.com, that sort of thing is great) over your face is meant to help a lot, in the meantime - means you warm up the air while you're breathing so it's less of a shock to the lungs I guess!
  • jayme03
    jayme03 Posts: 64 Member
    I agree with the previous post--running with something over your face really helps. I have the same problem, and when I was able to run I used a balaklava and it worked wonders as it warms up the air before it hits your lungs.

    Here's an example:
    http://tinyurl.com/6zkzbtl

    Good luck!
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